The scarcity of clean drinking water in Chad significantly impacts women, particularly in rural areas. Women are traditionally responsible for collecting water for their households, which can take hours each day. This cuts into their time for other crucial activities like education, work, and childcare.
Contaminated water can also cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children. Diarrhoeal diseases, often caused by unclean water, are a leading cause of death in children under five in Chad.
Furthermore, the lack of clean drinking water can increase the risk of violence against women. Women fetching water can be subjected to assault or harassment.
Here are some specific consequences of scarce drinking water on women in Chad:
Health:
- Increased risk of diarrhoeal diseases, malaria, and other waterborne illnesses
- Difficulty accessing healthcare, particularly for pregnant women and children
- Increased child mortality
Education:
- Girls are often forced to drop out of school to help collect water
- Lack of access to clean water in schools discourages girls’ attendance
Economy:
- Less time for women to engage in income-generating activities
- Increased household expenses for purchasing clean water
- Loss of productivity due to waterborne illnesses
Violence:
- Women fetching water are vulnerable to assault or harassment
- Increased risk of domestic violence
What can be done to improve the situation?
Several measures can be taken to improve the situation for women in Chad regarding access to clean drinking water. These include:
- Investing in infrastructure development for clean water supply and sanitation
- Raising awareness about the dangers of contaminated water
- Promoting hygiene and sanitation practices
- Supporting women in income-generating activities
- Implementing laws and policies to protect women from violence
By improving access to clean drinking water, we can positively impact the health, education, economic opportunities, and safety of women in Chad.
